Two weeks ago, the department received Edo, a 1-year old German shepherd and Belgian Malinois mixed male, from a specialized breeder in the Czech Republic. For the remainder of August, Edo will train in and around Bangor and familiarize himself with his surroundings.

Edo will report to Castle's K-9 Inc. in Mechanicsburg, Pa., on Sept. 4 for a month of rigorous training needed for certification. Officer Kevin Jones, Edo's primary handler, will accompany the dog in training and said that Bangor residents should expect to have the unit up and running by Oct. 6.

The dog will be taught commands and instructed in German, Jones said.

Jones will maintain responsibility for the dog. He said that he grew up with a K-9 unit in his house and had always considered being a handler on his own.

"I've always wanted to do it since I was a kid," Jones said.

Come October, Jones said, Edo will track, patrol and aid in police investigations and will prove vital in "getting the drugs out of the borough."

Jones said he's been getting a lot of positive feedback from Bangor residents.

"They're very glad to see that he's here," Jones said.

Bangor Mayor John Brown said Edo's presence is part of the borough's commitment to public safety.

"This is a very significant milestone," Brown said.

The mayor said the unit cost $30,000, all of which was either donated or raised. The largest donation, $10,000, came from the Northampton County Drug Forfeiture Fund.

"I'm very proud to hear that this is moving forward," Morganelli said.

With discussion of police regionalization in the Slate Belt brewing, Brown said that no matter the outcome, Edo will be made available to neighboring communities and the Pennsylvania State Police when requested. No other Slate Belt police department has an on-site K-9 unit.

Brown said the addition of Edo was not a move to bolster Bangor's position in regionalization talks.

"I'm not sure it sets us apart as much as it brings us together. ... The dog will support our sister municipalities whether we're independent or regional," Brown said.